Steve Markwardt

Photo from YouTube screen grab

Steve Markwardt sings his rendition of L-O-V-E.

Until I heard Steve Markwardt and the A-List Band I didn't realize there was a music genre called Western swing. Now that I have been introduced to it, I must admit I love it. Steve's songs get stuck in my head, but not in that “Why can't I get this song out of my head” way. Upbeat, lively, toe tapping tunes. Songs you want others to hear.

Steve writes or co-writes many of his own songs then turns around and sings them. One of his collaborators, Curt Ryle, sings and plays but has written many songs which are recorded by other Clarksville Creative Sound artists like his son Brayden, Jadyn Rylee and newcomer Ariel Franz.

Steve has been called “a poet with a pen and a guitar pick.” Steve began his musical journey playing drums and singing in a praise choir as a youth but got seriously involved in music later in life, writing his first song in 2003 after forming a group called Kingdom Come. Since then he has written more than 70 and is about to work on his second album. His musical influences range from big band to jazz, blues, swing and Folk Rock - which helped shape his foray into Western swing.

His debut album, “Home Again,” features a collection of 14 original classic country and Western swing songs created with the collaborative efforts of award winning musicians. The debut album contains 6 songs that were nominated for the Academy of Western Artists (AWA) Will Rogers awards in 11 different categories.

A second album, "Between You and Me," didn't have videos on YouTube either. A third album, "This is Swing Country," does have a few videos on YouTube. The links are below.

You can hear music from his first two albums on Spotify and other streaming services. All three albums can be purchased at his website.

Tours in the UK, Europe and Australia are in the works because of positive response to his music.

Steve and his brother, Michael Markwardt, cofounded Cowtown, Birthplace of Western Swing in the Fort Worth, Texas area and they are trying to bolster more interest in the genre.

(See You in the) Rear View Mirror is a fun song and features a beautiful car.

Brent Adams and Steve Markwardt are joined by CCS founder Curt Ryle and artist Jaydn Rylee on Ft. Worth Musical Moments talking music and an upcoming series on the American Country Network, "Small Town Sound."

A few originals from his newest album

Another fun song is Talking in Your Sleep - especially when you get to the surprise ending in the video!

Oklahoma's Calling Me with CCS artist Jasmine McDonald.

Steve performed a tribute to Mickey Gilley and was interviewed on the Penny Gilley Show in Texas, starts at about the 9:59 mark. They discussed his newest album featuring original Western Swing songs he wrote with Curt Ryle of Clarksville Creative Sound in Tennessee.

Steve's premier album showcases his work in the Western swing genre. Six of the 11 songs were nominated for awards.

Steve's second album

Where to find Steve

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